I'd been through one of the toughest time in my life; my mom's illness and death for the last 7 months. My life had been full of sadness and depression. But I believe that period was a gift for me; I was given the last time to share with my mom. I learned to forgive her and myself and came to thank her from the bottom of my heart.

My mom didn't like me to be an artist in the beginning. There had been conflicts between us sometime. But looking back at my memories, she has been one of my good friends and teacher. Her criticism has made me strong. She influenced me a lot.

During the past 7 months, unexpectedly good things also happened. I was interviewed through skype as an artist, selected to participate in the group show at the Ueno Royal Museum of Art, and featured in Bijutsutecho art magazine.

My mom doesn't want me to cry for her anymore. She wants me to move on.